Tahajjud (Arabic: تهجد), also known as the "night prayer" is a voluntary prayer, performed by followers of Islam. It is not one of the five obligatory prayers required of all Muslims, yet still, Islamic prophet, Muhammad is recorded as performing it many times and encouraging his companions to offer it for its many rewards and benefits.

Evidence in Qur'an for Tahajjud prayer

In his famous work, Fiqh As-Sunnah, Sheikh Sayyid Sabiq elaborates on the subject of Tahajjud as follows:

* {And during a part of the night, pray Tahajjud beyond what is incumbent on you; maybe your Lord will raise you to a position of great glory.}* (Al-Israa’ 17:79)

This order, although it was specifically directed to Mohammad(S.A.W), also refers to all Muslims, since Mohammad(S.A.W) is to be the perfect example and guide for them in all matters.

Moreover, performing Tahajjud prayers regularly qualifies one as one of the righteous and helps one earn Allah's bounty and mercy. In praising those who perform the late night prayers, Mohammad(S.A.W) says what means:

* {And they who pass the night prostrating themselves before their Lord and standing.}* (Al-Furqan 25:64)

Evidence in Hadith

Next to these Qur’anic verses, there also exist a number of hadiths (narrated and confirmed traditions from Mohammad(S.A.W)) that reinforce the importance of Tahajjud.

Etiquette of Prayer

The following acts are recommended for one who wishes to perform the Tahajjud Prayer: Upon going to sleep, one should make the intention to perform the Prayers. Abu Ad-Darda' quoted Mohammad(S.A.W) as saying:

“Whoever goes to his bed with the intention of getting up and praying during the night, but, being overcome by sleep, fails to do that, he will have recorded for him what he has intended, and his sleep will be reckoned as a charity (an act of mercy) for him from his Lord.” (An-Nasa'i and Ibn Majah)

On waking up, it is recommended that one wipes the face, use a toothbrush, and look to the sky and make the supplication which has been reported from Mohammad(S.A.W)

Abu Hudhaifa reported:

"Whenever the Prophet intended to go to bed, he would recite: (With Your name, O Allah, I die and I live)." And when he woke up from his sleep, he would say: (All the Praises are for Allah Who has made us alive after He made us die (sleep) and unto Him is the Resurrection.)" (Al-Bukhari)

One should begin with two quick rak`ahs and then one may pray whatever one wishes after that. `A’ishah said:

“When the Prophet prayed during the late-night, he would begin his Prayers with two quick rak`ahs.” (Muslim)

It is recommended that one wakes up one's family, for Abu Hurairah quoted Mohammad(S.A.W) as saying:

“May Allah bless the man who gets up during the night to pray and wakes up his wife and who, if she refuses to get up, sprinkles water on her face. And may Allah bless the woman who gets up during the night to pray and wakes up her husband and who, if he refuses, sprinkles water on his face.” (Ahmad)

Recommended Time for Tahajjud

Tahajjud may be performed in the early part of the night, the middle part of the night, or the later part of the night, but after the obligatory `Isha’ Prayer (night Prayer).

Commenting on this subject, Ibn Hajar says:

“There was no specific time in which the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would perform his late night Prayer; but he used to do whatever was easiest for him.”

Best Time for Tahajjud

It is best to delay this Prayer to the last third portion of the night. Abu Hurairah quoted Mohammad(S.A.W) as saying:

“Our Lord descends to the lowest heaven during the last third of the night, inquiring: ‘Who will call on Me so that I may respond to him? Who is asking something of Me so I may give it to him? Who is asking for My forgiveness so I may forgive him?’” (Al-Bukhari)

`Amr ibn `Absah claimed that he heard Mohammad(S.A.W) saying:

“The closest that a slave comes to his Lord is during the middle of the latter portion of the night. If you can be among those who remember Allah the Exalted One at that time, then do so.” (At-Tirmidhi)

The Number of Rak`ahs in Tahajjud

Tahajjud Prayer does not entail a specific number of rak`ahs that must be performed, nor is there any maximum limit that may be performed. It would be fulfilled even if one prayed just one rak`ah of Witr after `Isha’.